If you’re in the market for a lash serum, you probably noticed that some of them contain prostaglandins while others don’t. Prostaglandin serums are effective but can cause some side effects, some of which are permanent.

Thankfully, peptides-based serums are an excellent alternative with less chance for side effects.

In this article, I compiled a list of popular eyelash growth serums and analyzed the ingredients to know if they contained prostaglandins or not. That way, you can choose the product that’s right for you!

Key Takeaways

  • Prostaglandin-based lash serums may cause side effects like dryness, discoloration, and fat atrophy.
  • Companies that sell prostaglandin-based lash growth serums as cosmetics are not subject to FDA approval and safety testing like medications, making it important to decide whether or not you are okay with the potential side effects.
  • My list of lash serums without prostaglandins is a great place to start when in search of a safe product

Let’s dive into it!

Listen while you read: In this In this Video, I’ll share with you what prostaglandins are, why they’re included in certain lash serums, whether or not they’re safe to use, and my list of products with and without prostaglandins.

Why You Should Care About Prostaglandins

Latisse is the only FDA-approved eyelash growth serum on the market. The active ingredient is bimatoprost, a type of prostaglandin.

Now, because of the extensive clinical studies that were done, we know that Latisse is effective at growing your eyelashes, but we also know that it comes with possible side effects.

Therefore, any other eyelash serum that uses a prostaglandin analog compound is subject to the same side effects.

The most common adverse events from prostaglandin lash serums are:

  • Itchy eyes
  • Dryness
  • Darkening of the skin around the eye
  • Darkening of the eye color
  • Eye Inflammation
  • Swelling of the retina
  • Fat atrophy around the eye

So what’s the problem?

Except for Latisse, prostaglandin-based lash growth serums are sold as cosmetics and are not subject to FDA approval like a medication would.

This means that the companies don’t have to do extensive safety testing like they would for a drug.

That’s a big issue.

In reality, these products should be treated as medication since they use an active ingredient.

That’s why deciding whether or not you are okay with the potential side effects of a prostaglandin analog eyelash growth serum is so important.

Lash Serums With Prostaglandins

Eyelash SerumContains Prostaglandin?Active IngredientIngredient List
LatisseYesBimatoprostActive ingredient: bimatoprost
Inactive ingredients: benzalkonium chloride; sodium chloride; sodium phosphate, dibasic; citric acid; and purified water. Sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid may be added to adjust pH. The pH during its shelf life ranges from 6.8 – 7.8.
Source: https://www.latisse.com/pdfs/LatisseProductInformation.pdf
GrandeLASHYesIsopropyl CloprostenateWater/Aqua/Eau, Panthenol, Glycerin, Sodium Citrate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Alanine, Alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Arctostaphylos Uva URSI Leaf Extract, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Calcium Gluconate, Caprylyl Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita (Metricaria) Flower Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Gluconolactone, Glycine, Hexylene Glycol, Histidine, Honey Extract/Mel/Extrait de Miel, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Hydrolyzed Yeast Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Isoleucine, Isopropyl Cloprostenate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, PCA, Phenylalanine, Polysorbate 20, Proline, Propylene Glycol, Serine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Threonine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethanolamine, Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot) Leaf Extract, Valine, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Metabisulfite
Source: https://grandecosmetics.com/products/grandelash-md
R + F Lash BoostYesIsopropyl CloprostenateWater/​Aqua/​Eau, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Keratin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Biotin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Isopropyl Cloprostenate, Octapeptide-2, Allantoin, Panthenol, Copper Tripeptide-1, Pantethine, Polypeptide-23, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Extract, Glycerin, Sea Water, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Fruit Extract, Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Oil, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Rhizobian Gum, Styrene/​Acrylates/​Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, PVP, Lecithin, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Alcohol Denat, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide
Source: https://www.rodanandfields.com/en-us/shop/r-f-lash-boost/p/ENHLSH01
RevitaLashYesDechloro Dihydroxy Difluoro EthylcloprostenolamideAqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Biotin, Cellulose Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Disodium Phosphate, Phosphoric Acid, Dechloro Dihydroxy Difluoro Ethylcloprostenolamide, Butylene Glycol, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Panax Ginseng Extract, Serenoa Serrulata Extract, Camellia Sinensis Extract, Swertia Japonica Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Protein, Pentylene Glycol, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Octapeptide-2
Source: https://www.revitalash.com/products/revitalash-advanced-eyelash-conditioner
neuLASHYesIsopropyl CloprostenateWater (Aqua), Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Rhizobian Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Biotin, Panthenol, Pantethine, Allantoin, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sea Water (Maris Aqua), Octapeptide-2, Copper Tripeptide-1, sh-Polypeptide-1, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Alcohol, Isopropyl Cloprostenate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Oleate, Dicalcium Phosphate
Source: https://skinresearchlabs.com/products/neulash-lash-enhancing-serum
RapidLashYesIsopropyl CloprostenateWater (Aqua), Butylene Glycol, HydroxyethylcelIulose, Octapeptide-2, Copper Tripeptide-1, Biotin, Panthenol, sh-Polypeptide-1, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Extract Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed, Glycosaminoglycans, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Pantethine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sea Water (Maris Aqua), Glycerin, Rhizobian Gum, Disodium Phosphate, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Phosphate, Ethyl Acetate, Sodium Oleate, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Alcohol Denat., lsopropyl Cloprostenate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Sorbic Acid, Potassium, Sorbate, Disodium EDTA
Source: https://rapidlash.com/products/rapidlash-eyelash-serum
Babe LashYesIsopropyl CloprostenateAqua (Water), Glycerin, Panthenol, Sodium Citrate, Leuconostoc / Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Alanine, Alcohol, Arbutin, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Biotin, Calcium Gluconate, Caprylyl
Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Gluconolactone, Glycine, Hexylene Glycol, Histidine, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Hydroxyethylcellulose,
Isoleucine, Sodium Lactate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, PCA, Valine, Phenylalanine, Polydextrose, Polysorbate 20, Proline, Propylene Glycol, Serine,
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Isopropyl Cloprostenate, Yeast Extract, Sodium PCA, Threonine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Metabisulfite.
Source:https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2460/2627/files/2022_BabeOriginal_Mobile_FullWarnings-Ingredients_f4ee9a0a-5b20-4dc7-b9a6-85ab031040d4.pdf?v=1655400590
Uklash SerumYesIsopropyl CloprostenateAqua, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Isopropyl Cloprostenate, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Panthenol, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Benzoic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate
Source: https://www.uklash.com/products/eyelash-serum
Lash serums that contain prostaglandins. Last updated 11-29-2022

Bimatoprost is not the only prostaglandin analog you can find! When analyzing the ingredient list, you can find synthetic prostaglandin compounds such as:

  • Isopropyl cloprostenate
  • Isopropyl phenyl hydroxypentane
  • Dihydroxy cyclopentyl heptane
  • Dechloro dihydroxy difluoro ethylcloprostenolamide

So it’s important to be aware of these other names when reading the label.

Lash Serums Without Prostaglandins

Most of these serums are peptides-based which means they stimulate the growth of your own lashes by promoting the production of keratin. Most of these serums will support your eyelashes during the 3 phases of the growth cycle:

  • Anagen (active growth phase)
  • Catagen (transition phase)
  • Telogen (resting phase)

Yes, they have fewer clinical studies to back them up. However, they are much less likely to cause side effects. At the end of the day, you have to make the decision and accept the risks that come with it.

FAQ

What Are Prostaglandins in Lash Serums?

Prostaglandins used in eyelash growth serums increase the length of the eyelashes by extending the anagen (growth phase) of the hair follicle growth cycle.

Are There Prostaglandins in Lash Boost?

Yes. Lash boost contains isopropyl cloprostenate, a synthetic prostaglandin analog.

Does Revitalash Contain Prostaglandins?

Yes. Revitalash contains dechloro dihydroxy difluoro ethylcloprostenolamide, a synthetic prostaglandin analog.

Does Latisse Contain Prostaglandins?

Yes. Latisse contains bimatoprost, a type of prostaglandin.

Do All Lash Serums Contain Prostaglandins?

No. Some lash serums are prostaglandin-free. Most of them use peptides which are chains of amino acids, the building blocks of the proteins found in your eyelashes.

Does the ordinary lash serum have prostaglandin?

No, this eyelash growth serum is prostaglandin-free.

Does UKLash serum have prostaglandin?

Yes. It contains Isopropyl Cloprostenate, a prostaglandin analog.

Does Babe Lash have prostaglandin?

Yes. Isopropyl Cloprostenate is a prostaglandin analog.

Does Lash Therapy Australia have prostaglandins?

No. Lash Therapy serum is free of prostaglandins.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right eyelash growth serum is not an easy task.

The problem is that most of them contain synthetic prostaglandins which can cause serious side effects BUT they haven’t gone through the same safety testing as a medication would.

I don’t want to seem pessimistic. You might not experience any adverse events with a prostaglandin serum.

I myself have used one for months. But at least, I knew what I was getting into and made that decision with all the information at my fingertips.

I hope this list helps you with your decision. Of course, it is not exhaustive and there might be other lash serums not mentioned here. If you want me to take a look at a particular serum, just drop me a comment below!

– Asako 🙂

Additional Readings on DivineLashes.ca: If you’re on the fence about which lash serum to choose, make sure to read my guides on the best eyelash growth serums available today, which one is FDA-approved, and their possible side effects.

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151 Comments

  1. It seems that lash serums can be very tricky in using synthetics prostaglandins that go by many different names. Any chance you’re familiar with Scorolash or Thrive’s lash serum and whether they are truly prostaglandin-free? Many thanks for sharing your research : )

    1. Hi Christina,

      I know, it sometimes feels like a jungle looking at the ingredient list. I checked the ingredient list of Scorolash and Thrive and indeed, they are both free of prostaglandins 🙂

      1. It really is a jungle when they list it under so many different names🥴 Thank you so much! I really appreciate the clarification!

    1. Hi Alixzandrah,

      Yes this serum contains a prostaglandin analog called dehydrolatanoprost. It’s the second ingredient on the list.

  2. If you use a prostaglandin serum 2 times a week would these side effects still be extreme? I’m mainly concerned about the orbital fat loss if I use rapid lash twice weekly.

    1. Hi Akira,

      I would assume so. It stands to reason that less frequent usage decreases the likelihood of side effects.

  3. Thanks for writing this. Gave me piece of mind about what lash serum I’m using. It’s not listed here, but Lumi Lash is prostaglandin free too I believe and works amazing 🙌🏼

  4. Hello,
    Can you please tell me are you familiar with Diablo cosmetics eyelash serum? Is it safe for use?

    1. Hi Lucija,

      I haven’t personally tried it, but I looked at the ingredients and there are no prostaglandin analogs.

  5. Hi, is Lash by Maya prostaglandin free? I bought it but I don’t know and now I am kinda scared… Thank you in advance.

    1. Hi Nyx,

      I’ve looked at their ingredient list on their official website, and yes, there was no prostaglandin or analogs in the list.

  6. Do you know if the Silly George lash serum is Prostaglandins free? They say they are but I’m not sure if I trust them just saying it now haha

  7. I use Lash24 bc I did the research in the past and they even labeled hormone free. Now Tru Alchemy took over Lash24 and I don’t see the hormone free labels anymore. The ingredient list makes my head spin. Should I assume they changed the ingredients with the take over and label removal?

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